Diehard Californians refuse to evacuate near epicenter of ticking time bomb chemical plant
New York Post
Last updated: May 25, 2026
An unstable chemical tank at a GKN Aerospace plant in Orange County, California, poses an explosion risk, prompting a large-scale evacuation affecting up to 50,000 residents across multiple cities. Despite warnings and a state of emergency, some homeowners remain in the danger zone.
- Residents have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses due to an unstable chemical tank at the GKN Aerospace plant that is threatening to explode or spill hazardous chemicals.
- Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, expanding the danger zone to nearly 10 square miles and mobilizing resources to aid displaced individuals.
- Evacuation centers are at capacity, forcing residents to seek alternative accommodations, with some hotels offering discounts and fitness centers providing free access to their facilities.
- Authorities are working to stabilize the 34,000-gallon tank, which has been overheating and emitting vapors since Thursday.
- The potential outcomes are a chemical spill or a thermal runaway leading to an explosion.
- Air pollutant levels were reported as normal as of Saturday.
- A class-action lawsuit has been filed against GKN Aerospace for allegedly failing to adequately protect the community from hazardous materials.
